FMC in the News: 2014

Federal Communications Commission member Mignon Clyburn spoke at the Future of Music Coalition Policy Summit at Georgetown University on October 27, 2014, and said there are three broad policy goals that will have far-reaching implications for the music business: retaining a free and open Internet, expanding broadband networks’ reach and speed, and promoting competition. She said as the FCC moves forward on open Internet, her focus will be primarily on the impact to consumers, and the critical objective is first determining the right policy and then the appropriate legal framework.

The Future of Music Policy Summit was so packed with vital info and memorable quotes — I tweeted my thumbs off and still didn’t capture all of it! My Twitter timeline from Day 1, below, gives a flavor of what was covered.

“As a federal regulator, I see myself as a champion of the voiceless.” So said FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, speaking to and about musicians at a policy gathering this week held by the Future of Music Coalition in Washington.

Greetings from Washington, D.C., music nerds! I am here to attend the Future of Music Policy Summit, which addresses a side of the music profession I could stand to learn more about: policy, technology, law, how the money comes in and how it goes out, and more.

Coalition‘s annual policy summit tackles the big issues that matter to musicians and the new music industry. It’s happening now in Washington DC and you can watch the live stream free on both Monday and Tuesday. You’ll find more info, the schedule and the live video stream here.

Colorado nonprofit SpokesBUZZ recently wrapped up the third successful year of BandSwap 2014, the program that Hypebot calls “an excellent example of creative innovation in the music industry.” The program, even broader this year in scope and concept, brought together fans and industry professionals with 16 bands for 88 events in nine cities over four weeks. The events featured BandSwap performances by the participating bands and other local artists, music video premieres and screenings, educational discussions with an impressive list of panelists (below), networking SynchroniCITY mixers, Cultural Spotlight presentations shedding light on each city’s unique characteristics, presentations on innovative startups via InnovationSwap, and more! read more